HUMBOLDT — All cylinders were working strong for the Humboldt High Lady Cubs softball team, which won the Lindsey Friederich Memorial tournament Friday. The Lady Bears defeated the Iola Fillies 11-1 in the final round of the round-robin tournament.
Both Iola and Humboldt won their earlier games against Neodesha, making the matchup between the Lady Bears and Fillies the championship game.
“We played well, I think Iola played decent. It was just a good game,” Humboldt head coach Brad Piley said. “Our batting is coming around really good. Our defense is always there. It’s coming around, we’re excited about this team.”
Humboldt took an early 3-0 lead in the first, scoring the first run off an error. Kayle Riebel then plated home two off a single. In the second inning, Breanna Kline got her first hit and RBI of the game, extending the lead to 4-0. Humboldt’s Kline lead the way offensively going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.
The Lady Cubs scored three more times in the third, including Kline’s solo-shot, taking a 7-0 lead. Iola’s Katie Shields made a diving play in center with the bases loaded, to keep the game within reach.
The Fillies answered back, scoring their first run of the game in the fourth inning. Ashlie Shields scored on an error. Jadyn Sigg had Iola’s only hit, coming in the fifth inning.
Humboldt scored four more in the fifth. Kline had an RBI single. Jaci Ross hit a solo home run.
“I always look forward to playing the Lindsey Friederich Memorial tournament,” Piley said. “It means a lot to us to win this tournament.”
Courtney Richey pitched five innings with eight strikeouts to earn the win. She gave up only one run and one hit.
“I thought we played well,” Fillies head coach Vince Coons said. “I thought we played competitively against a good pitcher. We made some adjustments and started putting the ball in play to make the defense work.”
Iola beat Neodesha 15-0 earlier in the day. Ashlie Shields went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, two RBIs and a walk. Mackenzie Weseloh went 3-for-4, including a triple, double and single. Sigg had two RBIs with a single. Halie Cleaver went 2-for-4 with a double. Katie Shields, Riley Murry and Emily McKarnin also had hits.
Humboldt beat Neodesha 18-0 in its first game. Richey had a home run and a triple with seven RBIs. Kasey Beeman had a single and two RBIs. Kline went 3-for-4 with an RBI.
